Iran War Inflicted Heavy Military and Economic Costs on US, Pentagon Report Says

WASHINGTON: The US Department of Defense’s Inspector General has detailed significant military and financial costs incurred by the United States during the war with Iran, according to a congressionally mandated report reviewing the conflict’s first four months.

According to the report, the United States spent approximately $33.4 billion on the war, including around $22.3 billion on ammunition and munitions used during combat operations.

The conflict also resulted in the evacuation of more than 20,000 US military and diplomatic personnel from the region.

The Inspector General’s report said US forces conducted approximately 5,000 flights from European bases in support of operations during the war.

The United States also suffered more than $208 million in damage and other losses at facilities in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, according to the report.

The figures highlight the extensive logistical and financial demands placed on the US military during the conflict.

The report said 30 US drones were destroyed during the war.

Several types of American combat aircraft, including F-15, F-35 and A-10 aircraft, were also lost during the conflict.

The reported losses have raised concerns over the pressure placed on US military inventories and the cost of replacing sophisticated weapons systems and aircraft.

According to the Inspector General’s assessment, Iranian attacks also caused major damage to a key US Navy logistics facility in Bahrain, which serves as an important hub for American naval operations in the region.

The damage added to the costs incurred by the United States as Iranian attacks targeted American military infrastructure across the Middle East.

The report said the Pentagon is now working to accelerate the procurement and production of weapons and replenish stocks of critical military equipment.

Increasing munitions reserves has become a priority as the US military assesses lessons from the prolonged conflict and prepares for potential future operations.

The Inspector General’s review, required by Congress, covers the first four months of the war and provides an assessment of the financial, military and logistical impact of the conflict on US forces.

The findings underscore the scale of resources consumed during the war and the challenges facing the Pentagon as it works to restore depleted inventories while maintaining American military readiness.